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Channel 2 embedded with Georgia National Guard on rescue missions

By Aaron Diamant
By Aaron Diamant

HOUSTON — 156,000.

That’s the number of homes officials in the Houston area estimate were damaged by Harvey.

Harvey, which initially came ashore Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane, brought five straight days of rain totaling close to 52 inches, the heaviest tropical downpour ever recorded in the continental U.S.

A week later, streets are still flooded and rescues continue across Texas. Houston’s mayor is warning more water released from reservoirs could continue to flood homes for up to two weeks.

Because of this, there’s a massive rescue effort underway.

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The Georgia Air National Guard is part of that effort, and Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Aaron Diamant is embedded with them.

The first words that came to Shumica Savoy’s mind as she set strapped in the back of a Georgia Guard C-130 with her sister, cousin, close friend and 17 other kids: “We made it out.”

“I’m just glad we made it out,” she said. “We were at home for 36 hours with no lights and no water. My kid was hungry and I knew I couldn’t make it. But something was telling me to get out of the house.”

That is just one of the countless stories of survival Diamant heard at the chaotic Beaumont Texas Airport.

"I'm just glad we were able to help. I'm glad we have the resources and the manpower to do it, to be able to come out here and get them to safer places," said Capt. Sarah Perry, with the 165th Air Lift Wing.

Many on the C-130 crew are from metro Atlanta. Their competence outshined only their compassion as they loaded the elderly, the injured and all the others forced from their homes with home what they could carry.

“Absolutely an honor and a privilege. I’m sure there are many more men and women back home who would love to help out as much as possible,” said Capt. Jeff Gebhardt.

Cox Media Group

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